Book review: Love, adventure and mischief are a gift for Mother’s Day

Pam Norfolk

Little Tiger Press are helping kids to make Mother’s Day extra special with a super collection of books just made for sharing.

An energetic and innovative publisher, Little Tiger has four imprints – each with its own unique style and distinctive voice – and is making a roaring success of producing creative and beautifully packaged children’s books.

Just off the presses are some family-friendly treats to share with children on Mother’s Day, adventure stories to inspire, and tales guaranteed to warm the coldest of days.

From birth:

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Tim Warnes

Aaah… gifts for Mother’s Day don’t come more special and genuinely touching than this gorgeous board book which celebrates the eternal, loving relationship between parent and child.

When the sun comes up, Big Bear and Little Bear think of new ways to share their love. Big Bear loves Little Bear more and more as each day passes... they share the silliness of bathtime, the magic of the outdoors, playing chase and rubbing noses. Big Bear loves Little Bear to the moon and stars – and back.

This enchanting, colourful and sturdy board book was just made for reading to your own special little person. Toddlers will love turning the pages and enjoying Tim Warnes’ warm and wonderful illustrations.

A cosy ‘cuddle up’ book to calm and reassure at bedtime…

(Little Tiger Press, board book, £4.99)

To Baby with Love: A Baby Record Book

Illustrated by Sarah Ward

Once upon a time a baby record book contained just a few facts and photos… now you can give your child a truly special diary that includes the months before they were even born.

From that much-loved first scan, mum’s strange food cravings, a family tree, the number one song in the charts and the price of a stamp to the first bedroom, first steps and favourite food, this sumptuous padded book will become a treasure trove of memories.

Thoughtfully designed and beautifully illustrated by Sarah Ward, the book has space for pictures, room to record special moments and milestones, sturdy envelopes for keepsakes, locks of hair and mementoes, and all held together by a colourful elastic ribbon to keep everything safe inside.

An elegant and stylish gift for mums, dads… and their very important new arrival!

(Little Tiger Press, padded book, £12.99)

Age 3 plus:

The Great Cheese Robbery by Tim Warnes

When it comes to being brave, giant-sized Daddy is the ‘big cheese’ at the elephant house… until a scheming bunch of mice leave his reputation in holes.

Welcome to the warm and whimsical world of Tim Warnes, an award-winning author and illustrator with a gift for words and an eye for the little – and, in this case, big – things that make children laugh.

This gorgeous, quirky and fun-filled picture book delivers reassuring messages to little ones about being brave and conquering fears, and they come perfectly packaged in a delightfully offbeat and slyly funny story.

Baby elephant Patrick is scared of lots of things, like the dark and the fluff under the sofa. His big, bold Daddy is as strong as a tractor and isn’t scared of anything – well so Patrick thought! When a tiny mouse robber, posing as a cheese inspector, tries to steal the elephants’ cheese and anything else he can lay his paws on, poor frightened Daddy is too terrified to stop him! Can little Patrick Elephant save the cheese and the day – or will the rescuer be someone totally unexpected?

Warnes puts his special brand of mischief and mayhem into this clever, comical story which is guaranteed to capture the hearts and minds of both parents and children.

Smile and say cheese!

(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £10.99)

Mummy’s Little Sunflowers

Written by Angela McAllister and illustrated by Alison Edgson

Growing up wouldn’t be half as much fun without brothers and sisters…

Author and illustrator team Angela McAllister and Alison Edgson work their own brand of magic on this endearing story about two little mice brothers on an adventure to grow a giant sunflower for their mummy.

As the mischievous mice get into a spot of bother, there are lessons for every child about giving, sharing and helping.

Scurry loves sunflowers. He has got one special seed that he is going to grow just for his mummy. But his little brother Scamp loves sunflowers seeds and when he eats his brother’s special seed, he lands himself in real trouble. Together they must find a way of sorting out their problem.

Alison Edgson’s large, beautifully detailed and captivating artwork adds warmth and character to Angela McAllister’s thoughtful and gently funny story about sibling love and rivalry.

Ideal for teaching children the importance of give and take.

(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £6.99)

A Monster’s Moved In!

Written by Timothy Knapman and illustrated by Loretta Schauer

Brilliant ideas have some unexpected consequences in this monstrously funny story from the ever-inventive Timothy Knapman.

Bored Barnaby’s antics with gorgeous green monster Burple will tickle the funny bones of every child who likes to get one up on their silly mum and dad.

It’s raining and Barnaby is bored inside the house. Then he has a brilliant idea… he’s going to make a sofa den with cushions and a rug. ‘But a monster might move in!’ caution grinning mum and dad. Barnaby is sure his den is far too cosy for a monster. But playing on his own isn’t much fun and soon Barnaby soon wishes that a monster really would move in. That’s just his first big mistake!

There are miles of smiles and acres of adventures as Barnaby and his fun-loving monster friend Burple take youngsters on a gloriously anarchic romp through dragon fire, disgusting packed lunches and home-made rocket rides.

Bold, bright and action-packed illustrations give Barnaby’s adventures an added turbo boost … and ensure that rainy days will never be so boring again!

(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £10.99)​

Age 8 plus:

A Whisper of Wolves by Kris Humphrey

Animals, adventure and fantasy… Kris Humphrey conjures up a magical mix for young readers in his thrilling debut novel.

Packed with mysterious and exciting characters, a beautifully imagined backdrop and plenty of fast-paced action, A Whisper of Wolves opens up the wonders of the natural world as well as delivering a compelling story.

When a raven drops a white feather at the doorstep on the day of your birth, it is a symbol of your destiny. You are a Whisperer, a guardian of the wild. After many years of peace in the kingdom of Meridina, rumours are spreading of a planned invasion. Could the demonic Narlaw be returning from the darklands? It is up to the Whisperers and their animal companions to defend Meridina, protect Princess Ona and stop the Narlaw from destroying their world. When hunters from her village disappear without a trace, Alice, a novice Whisperer suspects that something sinister is at work. With the help of Storm, her wolf companion, Alice fights to save her village and protect the balance of the natural world. The Narlaw are on the attack and it’s up to the Whisperers to stop them…

An exciting start to a super new series for young animal lovers, mystery fans and those who just love a good adventure…